Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta - beautifully plated pasta dish

Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

Sautéed shrimp with fresh asparagus in a light lemon-garlic sauce. High protein, low calorie, and ready in 22 minutes.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

12 min

Servings

4

Calories

330

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

Whole wheat pasta needs a bit more sauce than regular — its nutty flavour and rougher texture absorb more liquid.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

There's something quietly brilliant about a plate of pasta that comes together in 22 minutes without sacrificing a single ounce of flavour. This shrimp and asparagus number delivers exactly that — plump, sweet shrimp meeting crisp-tender asparagus spears, all tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce that clings to every strand.

Canadian home cooks keep coming back to this one because it hits the sweet spot between weekday practicality and weekend-worthy elegance. The high protein, low calorie profile means you can eat a generous portion without feeling weighed down, and the whole thing practically cooks itself once you've got your water boiling.

Tips for the Best Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

Salez bien votre eau de cuisson — elle doit avoir le goût de la mer, pas simplement salée. Réservez au moins un bon verre d'eau amidonnée avant d'égoutter les pâtes ; c'est l'or liquide pour émulsionner la sauce. Cuisez les pâtes une minute de moins que indiqué sur l'emballage, puisqu'elles finiront de cuire dans la poêle.

What to Serve With It

This dish shines alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Pair with a crisp white wine like a Muscadet or a dry Pinot Grigio — both complement the shrimp beautifully. A light Caesar salad works just as well if you're feeding a crowd.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or broth over low heat — microwaving tends to toughen the shrimp. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don't be shy about adding liquid when warming it back up.

Nutrition Facts

330

cal

33g

Protein

11g

Fat

59g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

452mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?+

Absolutely. Thaw them in cold water for 15 minutes, pat completely dry, and proceed as directed. Frozen shrimp work just fine here and save you a trip to the fish counter.

What pasta shape works best?+

I prefer long shapes like spaghetti or linguine that coat evenly in the sauce, though penne and fusilli hold the sauce beautifully too. Whatever you choose, aim for something with surface area to cling to that lemon-garlic mixture.

How do I keep the shrimp from getting rubbery?+

The key is speed — shrimp cook in just two to three minutes per side. Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink. Overcooked shrimp are tough and chewy, so err on the side of underdone and let residual heat finish them.

Can I make this ahead of time?+

The sauce components come together quickly, but I'd recommend assembling and cooking the shrimp fresh. You can prep the asparagus and mince the garlic ahead, but the final assembly is best done right before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version?+

Swap the shrimp for sliced mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty plant-based version. White button or cremini mushrooms sautéed in the olive oil add wonderful umami depth that complements the asparagus nicely.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (4)

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.